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Black Canyon Red Rock Canyon Wilderness permit

Red Rock Canyon Gear Checklist

What to carry on Red Rock Canyon, and why. 1 item is written into the permit rules and 8 more are worth the pack space.

9Total Items
1Required
8To bring

What to bring on Red Rock Canyon

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list. One item is written into the permit rules, and every one of those carries the rule it comes from.

  • Required

    WAG bag or another human waste containment system

    Permit rule: “Pack out everything including toilet paper. WAG bags are available at the trailhead”

  • Bring

    One liter of water per person for each hour of hiking, plus treatment for river water

  • Bring

    Shoes you can soak

    because the route crosses the creek repeatedly

  • Bring

    Long pants for the poison ivy sections

  • Bring

    Colorado fishing license if anyone 16 or older in your group plans to fish

  • Bring

    Poison ivy wash for after the trip

  • Bring

    Bear-resistant food storage

    since bears are in the area

  • Bring

    Trekking poles for the creek crossings

  • Bring

    A printed map

    because the route is unmarked and unmaintained

4 people can go on one permit. Split this list between them so nobody carries two stoves.

Build a shared list

General backcountry gear

Kit we recommend for backcountry trips in general. This is not a checklist specific to Red Rock Canyon — the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park rules for this permit are above.

🎒
Recommended
Wild Ideas

Bearikade Weekender

Ultralight carbon fiber bear canister. IGBC certified.

1 lb 15 ozultralightcarbon-fiber
$325
🎒
Recommended
Katadyn

BeFree 1L

Ultralight collapsible filter system.

2 ozultralightfast-flow
$44.95
🎒
Recommended
BearVault

BV500 Bear Vault

The most popular bear canister for Sierra backpacking. Fits 7 days of food.

2 lbs 9 oz7-day capacityapproved
$89.95
🎒
Recommended
Black Diamond

Distance Carbon Z

Lightweight folding carbon poles.

1 lb 1 ozcarbonfolding
$169.95
🎒
Recommended
Sawyer

Sawyer Squeeze

The most popular water filter for backpacking.

3 ozpopularreliable
$37.95

Gear Tips for Red Rock Canyon

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Weigh your pack before you go. A lighter pack makes for a happier hike.
  • •Rent expensive gear if you are trying a new activity for the first time.
  • •Test all new gear at home before hitting the trail.
  • •Check current regulations as some items may be required seasonally.

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